Phonak has introduced the Audeo Infinio Ultra Sphere, its most powerful behind-the-ear hearing aid yet, featuring dual chips to enhance speech clarity in noisy environments. The device targets users with significant hearing needs, though it comes at a premium price. A recent review highlights its performance in real-world testing.
The Phonak Audeo Infinio Ultra Sphere hearing aid derives its name from the company's Spheric Speech Clarity 2.0 system, which aims to improve conversation understandability regardless of the speaker's direction. Unlike its spherical implication, the aid adopts a traditional teardrop shape typical of behind-the-ear models. It incorporates two processing chips: the new DeepSonic DNN chip for multidirectional speech handling in noise, paired with the Era chip from 2024 for basic audio and wireless tasks.
Weighing 3.39 grams per unit, the Ultra Sphere is noticeably bulkier than competitors like the 2.58-gram Jabra Enhance Select 700. Despite the size, it maintains comfort during extended wear, even with glasses. Controls include a two-way rocker button for power, volume, and media, plus optional tap gestures via the MyPhonak app. It boasts an IP68 weatherproof rating and comes in seven colors, with customizable eartips such as open, closed, or wax-resistant EasyGuard domes.
In testing, the aids mildly reduced background noise, aiding speech comprehension in person and on TV, though they occasionally hissed in quiet settings. High-pitched sounds like keyboard clicks felt overly amplified, potentially adjustable by an audiologist. Bluetooth streaming proved solid for music and calls, with minor drop-outs. Battery life reached 27 hours in mixed use, short of the claimed 56 hours, supported by the ChargerGo case for additional charges.
Accessories enhance functionality: the $320 TV Connector streams audio directly, while the $1,800–$2,000 Roger On 3 microphone offers directional or omnidirectional pickup for meetings or distant sources. Priced around $4,000 through audiologists, the Ultra Sphere suits profound hearing loss but may exceed needs for moderate cases, where over-the-counter options suffice.
